Phillips County Health Dept

09/02/2026

💉 When is the best time to get your flu shot?

Flu vaccines are here, but timing matters! 🍂

For most people, September and October are the best months to get vaccinated against flu. Getting vaccinated during this timeframe helps provide protection throughout the months when flu activity is typically highest.

Why not too early? Protection from the flu vaccine can decrease over time, especially in older adults. It also takes about 2 weeks after your flu shot for your body to build protection.

🍁 Our goal: Get your flu shot by the end of October.

There are some exceptions. Children who need 2 doses of flu vaccine should get started as soon as vaccine is available so there is enough time between doses. Vaccination earlier may also make sense for someone who might not have another opportunity to get vaccinated later.

And if you miss September or October, it’s not too late! Flu vaccination can still be beneficial throughout flu season as long as flu viruses are circulating.

📅 Phillips County Health Department has flu vaccine available during regular business hours, and we’ll also be offering community flu clinics this fall.

Protect yourself. Protect your family. Protect our community. 💙

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

Cooking at home is a meaningful way to care for your heart and the people you love. Try a heart-healthy meal with colorful vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and herbs.

Explore heart-healthy recipes here: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-healthy-living/healthy-foods/healthy-eating-recipes

08/29/2026

🚨Carbon Monoxide (CO) is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, and can kill in minutes🚨
🚨USE CO ALARMS IN BOATS, RVS, TENTS AND CABINS🚨

🚤Use marine-certified equipment, properly installed, tested regularly and maintained.
🚤Limit idling and prolonged operation at slow speeds.
🚤Never run engines or generators in enclosed spaces.
🚤Maintain fresh air circulation throughout the boat.
🚤Keep away from engine and generator exhaust outlets and never block outlets.
🚤Never sit on or hang on to the back deck while engines are running.
🚤Don't water-ski, wakeboard, or tube within 20 feet of a moving boat.
🚤Exhaust from nearby boats can accumulate around yours.
🚤Stay at least 20 feet away from other boats.

⛺Cook away from tents, RVs, and other enclosed spaces.
⛺Never use charcoal grills, camp stoves, lanterns, or unvented gas heaters in tents, vehicles, campers, or cabins.
⛺Maintain 20 feet between generators and tents or RVs, and between RVs and tents.
⛺Maintain camping appliances.
⛺Do not idle vehicles near other campers and direct any exhaust away from other campers.
Symptoms of CO poisoning:
- Headaches, dizziness
- Chest pain, shortness of breath
- Nausea, vomiting
- Weakness, confusion
- Unconsciousness
Sleeping or intoxicated people may not notice symptoms.
Don't assume 'it's just sea sickness'.
CO can cause people to pass out and drown.
If you suspect CO poisoning or a CO alarm sounds:
MOVE TO FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY AND CALL 911

Learn more about carbon monoxide poisoning: https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html

08/27/2026

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a reminder to stay up to date on your vaccines and protect yourself, the ones you love and your community from serious diseases.

Adult immunizations: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2106/Adult-Immunizations

08/19/2026

💉 When is the best time to get your flu shot?

For most people, September and October are good times to get vaccinated, with October being a great time to receive your flu shot. 🍂

Why does timing matter? Flu vaccine protection can decrease over time, so getting vaccinated closer to flu season can help provide protection when flu activity is more likely to increase. It also takes about 2 weeks after vaccination for your body to build protection.

Our goal is to have you vaccinated by the end of October, but getting vaccinated later can still be beneficial.

📅 We prefer October for most patients, but flu shots are available in September as well.

Can’t make one of our community flu clinics? Flu shots are available anytime during regular business hours at Phillips County Health Department!

07/01/2026

Tomorrow there will be a test of the Phillips County Emergency Mass Notification System.

It is only a test.

When you receive the alert, please confirm your receipt so I can validate the system functions. Thank you!

07/01/2026

🚤🎣 Enjoy Kansas Lakes Safely This Summer ☀️

Whether you’re boating, fishing, swimming, or spending the day on the water, taking a few simple precautions can help keep everyone safe.

✔️ Always wear a properly fitted life jacket
✔️ Use and maintain boating and fishing equipment safely
✔️ Keep a close eye on children near the water
✔️ Check for harmful algal bloom advisories before heading to the lake

Harmful algal blooms can pose health risks to people and pets, so it’s important to know current conditions before enjoying Kansas waters.

Learn more and check current advisories:
https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/777

Have a fun, safe, and healthy summer on the water! 💙

06/28/2026

💚 Some Wounds Aren’t Visible 💚

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. While the effects may not always be visible, the impact can be very real.

Every person’s experience with PTSD is different, and healing is not a straight path. Recovery takes time, support, understanding, and access to the right resources.

If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that help is available and no one has to face it alone.

For immediate support and mental health resources:
https://kansaspreventioncollaborative.org/get-help/

Seeking help is a sign of strength, and support is closer than you may think.

06/26/2026

🚶‍♀️ Stay Healthy, Steady, and Independent 🚶‍♂️

Did you know that falls are not a normal part of aging? Understanding your risk and taking simple preventive steps can help you stay safe, active, and independent.

Small changes—such as improving balance, staying physically active, reviewing medications, and making your home safer—can significantly reduce your risk of falling.

Take a few minutes to assess your fall risk and learn ways to protect your health and independence.

Learn more and take the Falls Free CheckUp:
https://www.ncoa.org/tools/falls-free-checkup/

Your safety matters. A few simple steps today can help prevent a serious fall tomorrow.